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Kermit L. Hall, widely regarded as a mover and shaker during his four-year tenure at Utah State, has moved on to another challenge. On Feb. 1, he assumed the presidency of State University in Albany, New York. Utah's Board of Regents decided to bypass the usual national search for a new president after USU's Board of Trustees, Faculty Senate and deans endorsed Provost Stan Albrecht as Hall's successor. Albrecht was a finalist in two national searches at other universities and was the runner-up to Hall when he was named president in 2000. "Stan had a huge amount to do with the success of Hall's initiatives," said Faculty Senate president Janis Boettinger. "We wouldn't have accomplished as much without him. He works quietly behind the scenes to gather support and get things done." Engineering dean H. Scott Hinton said, "He is a proven entity who can provide the leadership necessary to improve our national reputation and make Utah State a better place to work and learn." Albrecht takes the helm of a changed university. Hall set high standards for students and staff, and instituted a new budget system that forced every college on campus to review its objectives and measure its progress in achieving college and institutional goals. Says Hall's chief of staff Craig Simper, "He transformed the university from top to bottom. Those who have worked closely with him have seen a massive transformation in processes, procedures and goals." On his arrival in January 2001, Hall was an instant hit with the media when he decided to forgo an inauguration and start a scholarship fund instead with $10,000 of his own money. Four years later, the inaugural scholarship fund was worth $900,000. Hall's wit and intellect were evident in his first public appearances. To highlight Utah State's agricultural heritage, he visited and milked a cow in every county in the state, including the steps of the state capitol. Throughout the rest of his presidency, alumni chapters and the press were treated to humor-filled, incisive commentary about the state of higher education today and the future of Utah State University. Even the New York Times and Washington Post quoted him on several occasions. Hall's presidency was also marked by candor, which earned him the respect of the media and which was appreciated by student government leaders. The president of the Associated Students of USU praised Hall for consulting with students about tuition increases. more
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